Reconstructing School-Family Partnerships in Urban Schools through Culturally Sustaining Leadership

• In Event: Reconstructing School-Family Partnerships in Urban Schools through Culturally Sustaining Leadership

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual and theoretical exploration of culturally sustaining leadership as a transformative approach to reconstructing school-family partnerships in urban schools. Drawing from town hall discussions with urban education researchers, former school leaders, and community advocates, the study employs qualitative content analysis to surface themes of equity, historical mistrust, and family funds of knowledge. Using frameworks from culturally sustaining pedagogy, transformative leadership, and critical family engagement, this paper argues for a shift in leadership preparation and practice to include authentic, community-rooted, and asset-based approaches to family engagement in urban educational contexts.

Authors

• LeAnne C. Salazar Montoya, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Emily Victoria Garcia, University of Nevada Las Vegas

• Carmen Beck, California State University - San Bernardino

• Tracie Trinidad, Aurora Public Schools

• Kristin L. Kew, New Mexico State University

• Griselda Galindo-Vargas, Texas State University

• Juanita Galaviz, Texas State University

• Gina Delgado, UnidoUS

• Pinyi Wang, University of Florida